We interviewed a Bruno | Brown patient who recently underwent a breast augmentation procedure. She shares her experience with Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery and the breast augmentation procedure.
Why Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery?
I chose them because my OBGYN recommended them. Then, after I did extensive research, (and I’m one that only goes to the best doctors), I saw that the doctors at Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery had been well vetted and featured as one of the Top Doctors in DC in Washingtonian Magazine. Just reading up on Dr. Brown and his background I felt really good about him on paper. Then the test was going to be his bedside manner, and I absolutely adored him. He was great to talk to, he was very calm, informative, and I felt very comfortable.
Have you had any other procedures done?
Yes, I had Laser Lipo for my abdomen and flank. However, it didn’t give me the results I wanted. The doctors at Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery did tell me that the results I was after wouldn’t be achieved by just this, but I tried it anyway. Although I did see some results it wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. So, I ended up coming back for a breast augmentation and a full tummy tuck.
What made you decide to have breast augmentation?
Since I was already under for the tummy tuck I thought why don’t we just go ahead and do the breast augmentation. I said I was happy with the size of my breasts, I just wanted them to look fuller. He gave me his honest opinion about what to do, what they’d look like, he listened and made sure we were on the same page so I knew what I was getting.
Were you nervous?
I was very nervous. I didn’t get nervous until the day of surgery. And I almost left! I was so nervous. I thought to myself, ‘This is ridiculous, I can’t believe I am going to go under for cosmetic surgery.’ But I knew that I really wanted it. I had thought about it for 3 years, at least.
As soon as Dr. Brown walked into the room, he saw my face, and he said ‘Hey, how are you doing this morning?’ and his voice just calmed me. And I said ‘Dr. Brown, I am so nervous’ and he said there was nothing to be nervous about. I said, ‘You’re right, because I trust you’.
I remembered when the anesthesiologist gave me the medicine to go out, I remember him holding my hand as I was counting backward. And rubbing my hand and he was saying ‘you’ll be fine’ and that’s all I remember and then I woke up and everything was fine.
What were your main goals in getting breast augmentation?
Going into the process my main goal was to find an office that was professional, hands-on and made me feel comfortable, because this is something really huge. It’s a big investment, both financially and of time. I wanted to make sure the office that I chose was the best at what they do, giving me the right information, and all the information, good and bad. So, it was very helpful that some of the staff members had previous procedures done because I could talk to them about it.
I was very satisfied, still to this day with the results. The recovery time was a little long, but they told me I’d be fine by a certain number of weeks and I said I didn’t know, I was in a lot of pain. But sure enough at that time, right on the dot, I felt better. He knows what he’s doing.
Everything was done top level, even down to the payments. To the people I have told about my procedure I’ve said if you ever need anything done, you need to go to Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery.
What type of breast implants did you get?
I have silicone. I originally wanted saline but after talking to the doctor about the look and feel I was hoping for, wanting them to look more natural, and about where they were going to be placed (under the muscle) we decided on silicone implants. I know they are natural 360 CC moderate.
How did you between the different types of breast implants?
I talked with the doctor about the look and feel I wanted. I trusted him.
On a scale of 1-5, how bad was the pain when you woke up? *Note that this patient also had a tummy tuck procedure at the same time.
When I woke up, probably about a 2-3 since the anesthesia and numbing were still in effect. But when it wore off, it was very painful. A 5*.
I did question for a minute after, ‘why did I do this?’ but then I saw the results. They prepared me and told me certain things I should have. That was very helpful. And it was worth it.
How many days until you felt ‘normal’?
I had it a month before I was going on vacation and I asked if I would be ok by then and the doctor assured me I would.
I could get up and walk around but it didn’t feel totally normal until about five weeks after. I stopped taking my pain meds two weeks after and switched to Advil. Still a little sore, but after 4-5 weeks I could get up, stand a little straighter* than I had and felt normal.
(*Note that this patient had a tummy tuck procedure performed at the same time.)
Did you have any bruising or swelling? How long did it last?
I didn’t have any bruising. They gave me something before the surgery to help with bruising and I don’t remember having any bruising.
The swelling took a while, about 5 weeks. I tried to cut back on salt and had a lot of water and fluids.
Anything you’d tell someone considering the procedure?
Do your research. If you’re going to Bruno | Brown, you’re good. But if you’re considering other doctors, do your research. Look at before and after pictures. Really talk to people and make sure you have the right people in place to help you with your care and recovery. Have the right support system for recovery. Be patient with the recovery time. Make sure you are eating well, drinking fluids and following doctor’s orders.
What are you most pleased about?
Everything! I love my breasts. I love them, I love that I don’t have to wear a bra. I only have 2 bras. But when I wear tank tops, I don’t have to wear a bra. I wear bodysuits now. I was just pleased with everything, across the board.
Size before: C Cup
Size after: Double D
